ALLNIC D-15000 OTL/OCL SIGNATURE DAC - REVIEW
Prior to this review, we had not heard Allnic’s digital source components, but that changed when the new D-1500 OTL/OCL Signature Digital to Audio converter arrived from the factory in South Korea. Visually, the D-15000 is both minimalist and monumental. The industrial design exudes weight and elegance, and refined control. Dual bias meters with amber lights add a touch of vintage instrumentation to the otherwise sleek presentation. This is a DAC that looks stout enough be from a bygone era yet modern enough to fit into any current system.
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO MXN10+DACM200 - REVIEW
The DacMagic line stretches back to 1995, almost two decades ago, when most of what we take for granted in consumer digital audio these days, such as streamers and USB DACs, did not exist. Since then, the DacMagic’s price has doubled while still being affordable, and the skill set offered has remained almost the same.
BORDER-PATROL SE-i DAC - REVIEW
The BorderPatrol SE-i DAC is a true gem that hides its wondrous capabilities beneath a simple, clean, unadorned facade. To look past it though is to look past the tattered, dirt-crusted Van Gogh at a garage sale, posing as nothing more than an amateur's well-intentioned, paint-by-numbers, work. Don’t do that. [Really!]
CANOR DAC 2.10 - REVIEW
The Slovakian brand Canor has made its presence known over the past several years, and the DAC 2.10 is a world-class source component, regardless of topology. But the fact that Canor pays fanatical attention to detail, even designing their own boards, and has found a way to incorporate a flawless tube output stage with their digital design, makes the DAC 2.10 a unique and highly desirable digital source component.
MYTEK LIBERTY II DAC - REVIEW
Despite its unassuming appearance, relative affordability and pleasantly diminutive size, the Liberty DAC II brings the listener closer to an artist’s intent than any converter I’ve heard at anywhere near its price. It may be too honest, too linear for some folks who want a velvet painting rather than a photograph but, for me, it’s a definitely worthy consideration. Highly recommended.
MOJO AUDIO MYSTIQUE X SE DAC - REVIEW
I had held Berkeley Audio Design’s† as the approach to take when looking for accuracy with musicality. Now, I have another more affordable choice among peers. The Mystique X SE combines the eternal precision of digital with the immortal soul of human performance. I concede, Benjamin’s karate is better. If you’re shopping for a “mid–tier” digital audio converter, you owe it to yourself to make a date with Mystique.
MUSICIAN AUDIO PHOENIX DIGITAL INTERFACE - REVIEW
What I have concluded is that Pegasus + Phoenix is a solid option for those who cannot commit to a highly resolving R-2R DAC due to budget constraints. Purchase a Pegasus then, at a later date, add on a Phoenix which brings the total base cost to $2,798.